Mississippi River:102 days and 2,300 miles
Posted in Blogroll - by snapdragon, on 10/11/2009
Paddler: Danielle Katz Photo: Brian Coggan
“After 102 days and 2,300 miles Team Blue successfully completed their kayak trip down the length of the Mississippi River. From the source in Northern Minnesota at Lake Itasca, they watched the river transform from a shallow brook often narrower than the length of their paddles into a freeway of barges and ships at the river’s mouth in the Gulf of Mexico. They portaged dams, rode through locks, and weathered storms at one point that raised the level of the already massive river by up to 20 feet.
The team paddled by eagles and oil rigs, flocks of migrating pelicans and fleets of barges, beautiful sunsets and imposing power plants. As a working river the Mississippi has been shaped and formed by humans, but it is also a rich ecosystem in serious peril. As the 4th largest watershed, the river travels through 10 states and drains 40% of the contiguous United States.
Paddler:Brian Coggan Photo:Danielle Katz
Overall the team was blessed with great paddling conditions. While paddling Snap Dragon Glacier Breathable spray skirts kept the river, rain, and flying carp out of their cockpits. At night, Snap Dragon cockpit covers kept the rain and critters out our their boats so that they never had to wonder in the morning if that was something crawling down their legs… or just a drop of water.
The Mississippi River expedition was a campaign for What About Blue, a non-profit aimed at raising money and awareness for water issues worldwide. As the inaugural trip for the non-profit, the team was able to connect with River Keepers, conservationists, educators, and paddlers, all working to preserve, protect, and provide for the water that they love so much.
